HISTORY OF SHAOLIN

The Shaolin temple was first built around 495 A.D. by Chinese Emperor Hsiso Wen for an Indian monk Batou, or, as known by the Chinese, Fo Tou . It was in the great Shaolin Temple in the Songshan mountains of central China that Buddharama, a sixth century Indian monk, first introduced Buddhism and a form of meditation methods and fighting techniques. He introduced to the temple monks a form of breathing exercises based upon animal movements, mostly exercises for strengthening and conditioning the body. The reason he taught the monks these exercises was to purify their bodies and develop inner strength.

The art of Shaolin Kempo Karate has developed from numerous styles of the martial arts including Shaolin Temple Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu, Kempo, different styles of Karate, as well as the secret art of the White Tiger (Chin Na). Each fighting system offers something both unique and special, but each also has its weaknesses that make a fighter vulnerable.

Our system stresses four ways of fighting.

1. With your hands (punching, striking – both open and closed handed) or use of any part of the arms, elbows, forearms, etc.

2. Kicking (with the foot, knee or leg).

3. Felling – that is to knock an opponent off his feet by throwing, tripping, pulling, pushing, shoving or scooping him.

4. Grappling – the secret of grappling is to always have control of your opponent by either wrestling, holding, breaking or locking bones or joints against nerve centers, thereby directing your opponent by delivering excruciating and incapacitating pain. Remember, the ultimate in self defense lay not in one way or style of fighting, but by combining the Four Ways of Fighting. The integration of these methods of fighting into one – thereby eliminating any and all weaknesses and vulnerabilities – is the CORE, THEORY and METHOD behind our devastating and impregnable art of Shaolin Kempo Karate.

The Shaolin fighting system is the backbone of our system as it is the best for promoting overall good health and longevity. The system is very well balanced, incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into one. It is a system that promotes health and wisdom.

On the fighting side, Shaolin is renowned for its awesome and devastating kicking and punching techniques. It is the only system that incorporates the movements of the five animals: Tiger, Crane, Dragon, Snake and Leopard. The Shaolin theory of fighting is based upon circular movements, speed, conditioning and the development of strong internal energy, tendons and ligaments This is the essence for producing a superior fighter.